Hey I'm in need of dropping the Honda Element and picking up a simple car for my wife. I still need a pick up and want kind of a "working beater" so to speak and not spend a ton of money - say less than $5k.

Then I figured why not get something that would be easy to put back on track if an EMP event did happen. Any suggestions on what to look for besides "old."

Joewy

10-08-2011, 12:15 PM

If you are mechanical inclined, then get a early 90's Chevy pickup. It is easy to just swap out the intake/carb and install a points type distributor if you need it. Buy an extra alternator or rectifier and bury it in the back yard.

Just buy a intake/ carb and distributor and keep it in the garage and in the meantime you will have a truck that still gets decent mileage, can pass smog and is easy to find parts for.

I have a 95 with a standard trans and 4.3 just for this reason.

devilinblack

10-08-2011, 5:27 PM

I'm a HUGE fan of my 85 Bronco. It was dirt cheap and allowed me to stock enough spare parts that an EMP really shouldn't be an issue. Parts are cheap and plentiful and it's easy as can be to work on.

However, if I could really "have it my way" I'd throw a diesel engine in there and upgrade the front suspension to one out of an F-250.

Dutch3

10-09-2011, 7:32 AM

I'd say 70's-80's Chevy, Dodge or Ford. Common "commodity" parts, and mechanical components with little or no electronics needed to operate.

Lucky Scott

10-09-2011, 8:29 AM

1967 to 1972 chevy. I drive a '72 suburban, and you can get parts for them anywhere. Also, they are cheap to have a mechanic work on if needed. They reproduce a lot of the stuff so you can fix them up really easy and make them look like new. Leave the original points type distributer in it and you are EMP safe.
Best part is, every year it will increase in value, the tags cost under $50 bucks a year, no smog check needed ever, and you can get antique auto insurance dirt cheap.
I crack up when some guy in a Mercedes SUV gets out of his car and then gives me the thumbs up for my truck.

Lucky Scott

10-09-2011, 8:31 AM

Check out this site.....
http://67-72chevytrucks.com

devilinblack

10-09-2011, 9:10 AM

no smog check needed ever

This is a big plus if you can find something you like that's old enough.

r3dn3ck

10-09-2011, 9:26 AM

pre computer diesel.

BTW... you don't seriously believe that an "EMP" attack is actually in the realm of real possibility do you? I'm into being prepared and all but for things that are liable to actually occur in the great conflagration, not the latest fantasy out of Art Bell.

Ripon83

10-09-2011, 10:24 AM

Do I really no. But since I need an ole truck any way why not. The military officer who wrote the Govts report on the subject said it's inevitable. He said not if, but when it happens.

pre computer diesel.

BTW... you don't seriously believe that an "EMP" attack is actually in the realm of real possibility do you? I'm into being prepared and all but for things that are liable to actually occur in the great conflagration, not the latest fantasy out of Art Bell.

Joewy

10-09-2011, 10:39 AM

There are a lot of things that could happen besides EMP or Solar flare.
Something as simple as a sudden lack of repair parts. Or a computer virus. War with China, A bad batch of gasoline that wipes out everyones Cats. So on and so forth. It pays to have access to something that will run no mater what and parts can be found at any junk yard.

cranemech

10-09-2011, 10:44 AM

1996 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins - $7200 (Rancho Cordova)

If I had the time and money I would have a Ford Excursion with a Cummins 12 Valve engine transplanted. But for a turnkey truck I would look at something similar to the truck in the CL ad.

They will haul anything you want to haul, last forever and give you decent fuel mileage while doing it. It's a little more money than you were wanting but if you keep an eye out 2WD's are available for less.